HEADWEAR A hat on the hill is an essential bit of kit to help keep you warm, protect your ears from the wind or shield the sun.

Highlander Head over £6.50

These multi-use tubes are essential for every backpack. The Headover is lightweight, stretchy and comes in five colours, at a great price. There is also a thermal version which has a fleece section. They do it all: hat, helmet liner, neckwarmer, headband; very comfortable.

SealSkinz Waterproof Bobble Hat £28

SealSkinz is known for waterproof socks and gloves, but they also do every type of hat using SealSkinz technology. This looks like an average bobble hat, but actually it’s waterproof, windproof and breathable. It has an acrylic knitted outer which does not hold water, with a microfleece inner lining for warmth.

Buff Windproof Hoodie £45

At certain times of the year, a removable neckwarmer and hood maybe all that you need to keep the chill away. This comes in a thermal, polar or windproof variety and is made from soft, water-resistant Gore-Tex Windstopper fabric, complete with drawstrings, attached to a microfibre classic Buff neck.

Montane Classic £20

Is your outdoor wear monochrome? Brighten up your life with this beanie. This can be stuffed into any rucksack, and comes in three great colours. It is a blend of 50% Merino wool and 50% acrylic, and has the all-important internal fleece headband for comfort and wicking away sweat.

Berghaus Powerstretch Balaclava £30

In the depths of winter, a balaclava is the only bit of kit that will provide maximum protection to your face against lashing wind, rain or snow. It fits beneath a hood or helmet and is made of Powerstretch for maximum insulation and comfort. It’s also covered by Berghaus’ lifetime guarantee.

Fjällräven Singi Winter Cap £55

Fjällräven kit has been making an impact in the fashion world, but it’s built for the outdoors and is pure quality with a price tag to match. This cap is made from a warm and wicking felted wool and polyester blend. G-1000-lined ear flaps can be folded down or fastened up to protect from the wind or sun.

Mammut Runbold Pro Cap £25

New for this spring, this Runbold is an ultralightweight and fast-drying peaked cap. It’s great for hot days to keep the sun off your face, ventilation holes help keep you cool and the buckle closure provides adjustment for a good fit, especially moving along at pace. It’s available in small, medium and large.

Extremities Parapet Cap £30

If you fancy yourself as a bit of a country gent (and who doesn’t), you really do need a flat cap as a part of your kit. Specially designed for the great outdoors, this one is not only the height of fashion, but it’s also breathable, windproof and fully waterproof! For style and functionality, look no further.

Tilley Wanderer £70

A Tilley hat wearer is a hillwalker of distinction. It’s guaranteed for life not to wear out and one even survived the digestive tract of an elephant THREE times (yes, really). Water-repellent, washable and with 98% UV protection, the Tilley is even insured against loss for half the price for its first two years.